Kona Kai Ea

Kona Kai Ea Chapter Helps Save O’oma on the Big Island!

Coastal Preservation

For almost 25 years, local groups on the Big Island have been working to preserve a large parcel of land along the Kona Coast known as O’oma. Land owners tried repeatedly to convert the land from conservation status to urban so they could develop the pristine area. Over the years, the Kona Kai Ea Chapter partnered with other non-profits to keep the land in conservation by testifying against the conversion and urging the Country to buy the land. On Dec. 31, 2013, the County of Hawaii finally completed the purchase of all 217 acres of ‘O‘oma, located between Kohanaiki and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii. This is the latest acquisition in the county’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Program. The acquisition of ‘O‘oma also will help preserve ocean water quality and healthy reefs for locals and visitors for generations to come.

Coastal Preservation

Beaches are a unique and dynamic landscape that should be protected for the future. The Surfrider Foundation is leading efforts at the state and local levels to protect our shorelines on every coast. Our efforts are focused on establishing appropriate setbacks for development, opposing shoreline structures, and placing coastal lands in public trust.